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TRAINING: Launch of the 2020 Training Calendar

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We’re pleased to share with you the 2020 Training Calendar, showcasing the first ten courses scheduled for the year.  We have added the new Drydock/Internal Structural Examination Certification and Confined Space Shipyard Competent Person courses to our course offerings this year (click here to link to the DD/ISE course information). We will continue to add more courses as details are set.

Annual Survey of Towing Vessels April 14 – 16Channelview, TX
Drydock/ISE Certification May 4 – 6Channelview, TX
Confined Space Shipyard Competent PersonMay 7 – 8Channelview, TX
Auditor Certification June 2 – 3Channelview, TX
Drydock/ISE CertificationJuly 21 – 23Pittsburgh, PA
Drydock/ISE CertificationAugust 4 – 6Hebron, KY (Cincinnati)
Drydock/ISE CertificationAug 31 – Sep 2New Orleans, LA
Auditor Certification October 6 – 7Channelview, TX
Annual Survey of Towing Vessels November 3 – 5New Orleans, LA
Drydock/ISE CertificationNov 30 – Dec 2Paducah, KY

Click here for course information and registration.

MORE TRAINING NEWS: We’ve been listening and are developing online course offerings. First up for our online courses will be an Overview of DD/ISE for Compliance Personnel course. This course is intended to communicate the expectations of the DD/ISE program requirements for those that elected to use an internal survey program.  We will walk through how to structure the TSMS to ensure compliance and what to expect from USCG interaction with the TPO, the DD/ISE surveyor and the organization.  We will be developing additional online course offerings and are welcome to hear suggestions and discuss topics that are well suited for the online learning environment.

If you have any questions, please call (832) 323-3992

USCG: CG-CVC Policy Letter 20-01 Subchapter M Enforcement Posture for Certificate of Inspection (COI) Phase-In Requirements

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Excerpt from Coast Guard Maritime Commons – originally posted 02/21/2020

The Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance announced the publication of CG-CVC Policy Letter 20-01, “Subchapter M Enforcement Posture for Certificate of Inspection (COI) Phase-In Requirements,” dated February 20, 2020.  

This policy letter provides guidance regarding the enforcement posture for towing vessels’ COI phase-in requirements within 46 CFR §136.202. As of July 20, 2018, towing vessels subject to inspection under 46 CFR Subchapter M must be in compliance with the requirements of the subchapter, even if the vessel has not yet received a Coast Guard-issued COI. With each subsequent scheduled phase-in date, regardless of inspection option chosen, companies with vessels selected in accordance with this policy that have not been issued a COI in accordance with the regulations, will be issued a Coast Guard Form CG-835V, for non-compliance.  

Read the policy letter for full details.

USCG: Marine Safety Advisory 01-20 – Potential for Positive Drug Test Result from Use of Hemp-Plant Products

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Excerpt from MSA 01-20 Potential for Positive Drug Test Result from Use of Hemp-Plant Products, published 02/10/2020

This Marine Safety Advisory is to ensure that mariners, marine employers, and sponsoring organizations are aware that some products marketed as hemp or cannabidiol (CBD) may contain enough tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cause a positive drug test. In accordance with 46 CFR 16.201(c), an individual who fails a chemical test for dangerous drugs must be removed from duties directly affecting the safe operation of the vessel, and is subject to suspension and revocation proceedings against his or her credential under 46 CFR part 5. Use of hemp or CBD products is not accepted as an affirmative defense (acceptable excuse) against a THC-positive drug test
result. For these reasons, mariners wishing to avoid a positive THC drug test result should exercise extreme caution when considering the use of any hemp or CBD product because such use could result in the loss of their merchant mariner credential and immediate removal from safety sensitive duties aboard a vessel. This warning applies to hemp and CBD products in any form, including those that are taken by mouth and those that are applied to the skin.

It remains unacceptable for any U.S Coast Guard credentialed mariner or other safety-sensitive worker working aboard a vessel that is subject to U.S Coast Guard drug testing regulations to use THC. Claimed use of hemp products or CBD products is not an acceptable defense for a THC- positive drug test result.

Click here to access the full Marine Safety Advisory 01-20.